Why Audio Advertising Is the Secret Weapon for DTC Brands in 2025

In today’s DTC landscape, success doesn’t just hinge on your product—it depends on how well you can cut through the noise to reach your audience. Paid social is crowded. Video is expensive. And display? Easily ignored.

But there’s one channel where attention is earned—not bought.
Audio advertising.

From local radio to host-read podcasts and streaming platforms, audio is quietly driving some of the strongest ROI in the media mix. At Retail & Response, we specialize in building audio campaigns that drive retail and online sell-through—and the latest industry data confirms what we see every day: audio works.

The Audio Landscape by the Numbers

Whether it’s live radio on the way to work, a podcast during a workout, or music while shopping online, Americans are immersed in audio. Here’s how it breaks down:

• 93% of U.S. adults listen to terrestrial radio each week—more than any other platform
  (Nielsen Audio Today 2023)

• 34 million Americans subscribe to SiriusXM satellite radio, with listener hours steadily rising
  (SiriusXM Investor Info)

• 214 million Americans stream digital audio each month
  (Edison Research – Infinite Dial)

• 1 in 3 listens to podcasts weekly

• Podcast ad revenue is projected to hit $4 billion by 2025
  (IAB, 2024)

• 81% of podcast listeners take action after hearing an ad
  (Cumulus Media, 2023)

The key takeaway? Audio isn’t a niche—it’s omnipresent.

Why Audio Wins for DTC Brands

Smart marketers understand that attention is a finite resource. And audio commands attention like few channels can:

• Terrestrial radio offers massive reach with strong local influence—ideal for driving foot traffic to regional retailers or creating awareness in key markets.

• Satellite radio delivers premium, ad-light environments where brand messages aren’t drowned out by competition.

• Podcasts and streaming platforms provide precise targeting, authentic endorsements, and trackable ROI.

• All formats offer multi-device, multi-moment access—reaching consumers where they work, drive, cook, scroll, and shop.

That makes audio an ideal companion for every stage of the DTC funnel.

How Audio Advertising Drives Retail Sales

When it comes to retail, familiarity wins.

Imagine this: A listener hears your brand mentioned during their commute. Later that day, they see your product on a shelf or in a search result. That moment of recognition? It increases their likelihood to buy.

Studies show:

• Radio drives 29% average lift in brand recall and up to 17% lift in purchase intent
  (Radio Advertising Bureau)

• Audio ads increase brand awareness by 89%, even when the ad is only 15 seconds
  (IAB, 2023)

At Retail & Response, we use audio to build that “I’ve heard of this” familiarity before a customer ever sees your product in-store or online.

Want to see it in action? Explore how we helped a health brand boost sell-through across Amazon and retail stores using a smart mix of radio and podcast placements → NN Active Liver Case Study.

Terrestrial, Satellite, and Streaming: Better Together

One of audio’s biggest strengths? It’s not either/or—it’s both/and.
A well-rounded DTC audio campaign often includes:

• Terrestrial radio for broad regional reach and real-time promos

• Satellite radio for affluent, commuter-heavy audiences

• Podcast ads for high-intimacy, high-trust messaging

• Streaming audio for personalized, programmatic scale

The best audio strategies combine formats for maximum brand impact.

Ready to Think in Sound?

DTC brands looking to break through the noise—and into customers’ carts—should consider audio a core part of their 2025 growth strategy.

Let’s make your brand heard, remembered, and bought.

🎯 Talk to us about building an audio-first campaign that drives real, measurable results.